United States · United States Congress · 25 March 1974
Empowers the Atomic Energy Commission to enter into an agreement with any State agency or regional agency under which such State or regional agency shall conduct an environmental review of and shall issue or deny an application for a site certificate for any proposed nuclear power reactor site in the State or region with respect to which such agency has jurisdiction. States that any such agreement shall expire five years from its effective date and the parties may agree to enter into subsequent five-year agreements. Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, formulate any requirements to be imposed in any such agreement. Provides that such an agreement shall provide that a State or regional agency may issue a site certificate for a proposed nuclear power reactor only if such agency finds, after having considered and balanced the environmental and economic costs and benefits of the nuclear power reactor if constructed on the site proposed, the need for electric power, and other relevant factors, that the construction and operation of the nuclear power reactor on the proposed site is in the public interest. States that any such agreement shall provide that in making site certification decisions the State or regional agency which is a party to the agreement shall, on its own motion or on application of any person proposing to construct a nuclear power reactor: (1) hold public hearings and offer to consider comments from any affected Federal, State, or local agency; and (2) prepare a detailed environmental impact statement on the proposed site. Requires such an agency to issue, within one year after submission of an application for a site certificate by a person proposing to construct one or more nuclear power reactors, a final decision granting or denying a site certificate to the applicant. States that in any proceeding under this Act concerning a license or construction permit, or application to transfer control, and in any proceeding dealing with the activities of licenses, or for the payment of compensation, the Commission shall grant a hearing upon the request of any person whose interest may be affected by the proceeding. Provides that, unless a State or regional agency is party to such an agreement at the time site approval is sought for one or more nuclear power reactors, the Commission is authorized to consider and grant or deny by order an application by any person for approval of a site for one of more nuclear power reactors, except that such construction permit or operating license or amendment to a construction permit or operating license for a nuclear power reactor shall not be issued unless all site-related restrictions in the site approval are complied with. Authorizes the Commission to consider and grant or deny petitions for the issuance of a rule or on its own initiative issue a rule approving the preliminary or final design of part of a nuclear power reactor. States that Congress finds that it is in the national interest to minimize the environmental impact of nuclear powerplants by locating and designating sites for nuclear power parks in each region of the Nation. States that such parks may be the site for locating several nuclear powerplants serving the region in which they are located, and may include nuclear fuel fabricating and reprocessing facilities, and all other facilities required for a complete fuel cycle. Directs the Atomic Energy Commission to make or cause to be made a national survey to locate and designate a nuclear power park site in each of the existing nine electric reliability regions.
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1974
Federal Election Reform Act - Establishes the Federal Elections Commission, to be composed of six members. Sets forth the composition and functions of the Commission. Provides that the Commission shall have the power (1) to require any person to submit in writing such reports and answers to questions as the Commission may prescribe; (2) to administer oaths and issue subpoenas; and (3) to initiate, prosecute, defend, or appeal any court action in the name of the Commission for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act. Makes technical and conforming changes in the Federal Election Campaign Act. Prescribes the eligibility requirements for candidates for elected office to receive advertising allotments under this Act and sets forth the procedure for certification. Sets forth specific radio and television time allotments for certified candidates campaigning in a general election. Provides that any certified candidate shall be entitled to receive allotments of funds for the purchase of newspaper advertising space. Provides that television or radio broadcasts by any candidate for the office of Senator shall be carried simultaneously by all television or radio stations in the State involved. Directs the Federal Communications Commission to assign responsibilities among television and radio stations for the transmission of broadcasts by candidates for the office of Representative, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Provides that advertising allotments under this Act shall be available for use by candidates during the 45 day period immediately before the date of the general election involved. Prohibits any candidate for Federal office to make any expenditure during such period for the use of television time, radio time, or newspaper advertising space. Sets forth the procedures for television stations, radio stations, and newspapers to receive payment from the Secretary of the Treasury for time allotted under this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Sets forth penalties for violation of this Act. Sets forth limitations for campaign contributions and expenditures for candidates for Federal Office. Revises the Internal Revenue Code by increasing the allowable income tax credit for political contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 28 February 1974
Provides for the establishment of the Clara Barton National Historic Site, Maryland; John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon; Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, North Dakota; Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Massachusetts; Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, Alabama; and Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, New York.
United States · United States Congress · 25 February 1974
Increases the period during which benefits may be paid under title XVI (Grants to States for Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act on the basis of presumptive disability to individuals who received aid, on the basis of disability, for December 1973, under a State plan approved under title XIV or XVI of that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 19 February 1974
Provides for pension reform under the Internal Revenue Code. Subtitle A: Participation, Vesting, Funding, Administration - Sets forth minimum participation standards for pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits such plans from setting age and service requirements in excess of the later of age 25 or one year of service. Authorizes pension plans to exclude employees hired later than five years before retirement age. States that all qualified pension plans under this Act must provide that an employee's rights in his accrued benefits derived from his own contributions are nonforfeitable. Provides that after 10 years of service an employee must have a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of his accrued benefits derived from employer contributions. Establishes methods for calculating accrued benefits and accumulated contributions for plans set up under the provisions of this Act. Provides that all government plans (including Federal Civil Service) are exempt from the participation and coverage standards established under this Act. Requires every employer, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, to maintain records with respect to each of his employees sufficient to determine the benefits due or which may become due to such employees. Imposes a civil penalty for failure to maintain such records. States that a plan to which this Act applies shall have satisfied the minimum funding standard for such plan for a plan year at the end of which the plan does not have an accumulated funding deficiency. Requires each plan to which this Act applies to establish and maintain a funding standard account. Requires the Secretary of Labor to approve amendments to plans established under this Act if such amendment is adopted after the close of the plan year and reduces plan benefits. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to waive minimum funding standards under this Act in cases of substantial business hardship. Imposes special taxes on employers who fail to meet the minimum funding standards imposed under this Act. Makes special provisions with regard to plans which are established as a result of a collective-bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers. Establishes provisions for plans set up by self-employed individuals and owner-employees. Sets forth procedures for public inspection of specified information relating to pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans under this Act. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives to study retirement plans established and maintained or financed by the Government of the United States and by any State or political subdivision thereof. States that such study shall include an analysis of: (1) the adequacy of existing levels of participation, vesting, and financing arrangements to existing fiduciary standards; (2) the unique circumstances affecting mobility of government employees; and (3) the necessity for Federal legislation and standards with respect to such plans. States that not later than December 31, 1976, the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and Labor shall each submit to the House of Representatives the results of the study. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the 2-year period beginning with the date of enactment of this Act, to conduct a study of the steps necessary to insure that professional, scientific, and technical personnel and others working in associated occupations employed under Federal procurement, construction, or research contracts or grants will be protected against forfeitures of pension or retirement rights. Requires the Secretary of Labor to report the results of his study to the Congress within 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations to protect the pension and retirement rights of such personnel. States that either the House or the Senate may disapprove of such regulations. Requires the administrator of each plan established under this Act to file an annual registration statement with the Secretary of the Treasury. Specifies the information to be contained in such registration statements. Establishes civil penalties for a failure to file a registration statement. Authorizes the United States Tax Court to make declaratory judgments with regard to the initial or continuing qualification of a plan established under this Act. Establishes, within the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations which shall be responsible for carrying out the functions and duties of the Secretary of the Treasury under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of the Treasury for the purposes of carrying out all functions of the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974, and $70,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter. Subtitle B: Other Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code Relating to Retirement Plans - Increases the maximum amount deductible under the Internal Revenue Code for pension contributions by self-employed individuals and shareholder employees from $2,500 to $7,500. Imposes a 6 percent tax on excess contributions made to pension plans by self-employed individuals. Authorizes a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for retirement savings. Limits the amount of such deduction to 20 percent of the compensation includible in the taxpayer's gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500, whichever is less. States that the amendments made by subtitle A shall take effect on the 90th day after the date of enactment of this Act and the amendments made by subtitle B shall apply to taxable years ending on or after June 30, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 4 February 1974
Provides for pension reform under the Internal Revenue Code. Subtitle A: Participation, Vesting, Funding, Administration - Sets forth minimum participation standards for pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans under the Internal Revenue Code. Prohibits such plans from setting age and service requirements in excess of the later of age 25 or one year of service. Authorizes pension plans to exclude employees hired later than five years before retirement age. States that all qualified pension plans under this Act must provide that an employee's rights in his accrued benefits derived from his own contributions are nonforfeitable. Provides that after 10 years of service an employee must have a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent of his accrued benefits derived from employer contributions. Establishes methods for calculating accrued benefits and accumulated contributions for plans set up under the provisions of this Act. Provides that all government plans (including Federal Civil Service) are exempt from the participation and coverage standards established under this Act. Requires every employer, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, to maintain records with respect to each of his employees sufficient to determine the benefits due or which may become due to such employees. Imposes a civil penalty for failure to maintain such records. States that a plan to which this Act applies shall have satisfied the minimum funding standard for such plan for a plan year at the end of which the plan does not have an accumulated funding deficiency. Requires each plan to which this Act applies to establish and maintain a funding standard account. Requires the Secretary of Labor to approve amendments to plans established under this Act if such amendment is adopted after the close of the plan year and reduces plan benefits. Authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to waive minimum funding standards under this Act in cases of substantial business hardship. Imposes special taxes on employers who fail to meet the minimum funding standards imposed under this Act. Makes special provisions with regard to plans which are established as a result of a collective-bargaining agreement between employee representatives and one or more employers. Establishes provisions for plans set up by self-employed individuals and owner-employees. Sets forth procedures for public inspection of specified information relating to pension, profit-sharing, and stock bonus plans under this Act. Requires the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives to study retirement plans established and maintained or financed by the Government of the United States and by any State or political subdivision thereof. States that such study shall include an analysis of: (1) the adequacy of existing levels of participation, vesting, and financing arrangements to existing fiduciary standards; (2) the unique circumstances affecting mobility of government employees; and (3) the necessity for Federal legislation and standards with respect to such plans. States that not later than December 31, 1976, the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and Labor shall each submit to the House of Representatives the results of the study. Directs the Secretary of Labor, during the 2-year period beginning with the date of enactment of this Act, to conduct a study of the steps necessary to insure that professional, scientific, and technical personnel and others working in associated occupations employed under Federal procurement, construction, or research contracts or grants will be protected against forfeitures of pension or retirement rights. Requires the Secretary of Labor to report the results of his study to the Congress within 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations to protect the pension and retirement rights of such personnel. States that either the House or the Senate may disapprove of such regulations. Requires the administrator of each plan established under this Act to file an annual registration statement with the Secretary of the Treasury. Specifies the information to be contained in such registration statements. Establishes civil penalties for a failure to file a registration statement. Authorizes the United States Tax Court to make declaratory judgments with regard to the initial or continuing qualification of a plan established under this Act. Establishes, within the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations which shall be responsible for carrying out the functions and duties of the Secretary of the Treasury under this Act. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of the Treasury for the purposes of carrying out all functions of the Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations $20,000,000 for the fiscal year 1974, and $70,000,000 for each fiscal year thereafter. Subtitle B: Other Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code Relating to Retirement Plans - Increases the maximum amount deductible under the Internal Revenue Code for pension contributions by self-employed individuals and shareholder employees from $2,500 to $7,500. Imposes a 6 percent tax on excess contributions made to pension plans by self-employed individuals. Authorizes a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for retirement savings. Limits the amount of such deduction to 20 percent of the compensation includible in the taxpayer's gross income for such taxable year, or $1,500, whichever is less. States that the amendments made by subtitle A shall take effect on the 90th day after the date of enactment of this Act and the amendments made by subtitle B shall apply to taxable years ending on or after June 30, 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 29 January 1974
Federal Paperwork Burden Relief Act - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study of the reporting requirements of Federal regulatory programs to determine the extent to which these requirements may be revised to lessen the burden upon small and independent business establishments. Requires the Comptroller General to report the results of such study to the Congress one year from the date of enactment of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 20 December 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for the procurement and operation of air tanker facilities for the protection and management of the national forests and other lands administered by the Forest Service. States that contracts for such services shall be entered into solely on the basis of capability to perform the required services.
United States · United States Congress · 13 December 1973
Provides that the tax on the amounts paid for communication services shall not apply to the amount of the State and local taxes paid for such services under the Internal Revenue Code.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Transportation to jointly conduct studies to determine the feasibility and desirability of establishing national scenic bicycle trails along United States Highways number 1, 30 and 101. Directs that these studies be submitted to the President and Congress including recommendations as to such actions which should be taken with respect to the establishment of such trails.
United States · United States Congress · 3 December 1973
Provides for the implementation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Provides that whenever the President determines that (1) the cultural patrimony of a State Party to the Convention is in jeopardy from pillage of archeological or ethnological materials; (2) the State Party has taken measures for the protection of its cultural patrimony; and (3) import controls by the United States would help deter such pillage, the President may enter into an agreement with the State Party, and with other governments as appropriate, to restrict the importation of protected objects of archeological or ethnological interest. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of State, to promulgate, and when appropriate shall revise, a list of protected objects of archeological or ethnological interests within the meaning. Requires the consignees of any protected object of archeological or ethnological interest to present appropriate certificates and evidence to customs officers at the time of making entry of such object. Provides that any protected object of archeological or ethnological interest imported into the United States in violation of this Act shall be seized and subject to forfeiture. Prescribes the procedures to be followed whenever any person is interested in any article seized, including filing with the Secretary of the Treasury a petition for the remission of such forfeiture.
United States · United States Congress · 28 November 1973
Freedom of Access for the Elderly and Handicapped Act - Allows, under the Internal Revenue Code, a deduction for expenditures to remove architectural and transportation barriers to the handicapped and elderly. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Provides for a special election for the office of President and the office of Vice President in the case of vacancies in both offices. States that if there is one year or more remaining in the present term, then electors shall be appointed or chosen in the several States and they shall elect a President or Vice President for the unexpired portion of the then current Presidential term.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Constitutional Amendment - Sets forth procedures providing for an election for the office of President and the office of Vice President in the case of a vacancy in both the office of President and the office of Vice President. Provides that in case of removal, death, resignation, or inability of both of the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives or, in the case of a vacancy in the office of Speaker, such other officer as the Congress may declare, shall act as President until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected. Provides that in cases where there is one year or more remaining in the then current Presidential term, each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors for President and Vice President equal to the number of Senators and Representatives to which the State is entitled in the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Geneva Protocal of 1925 should be immediately ratified and that a comprehensive review of this Nation's national security and international policies regarding chemical warfare should be undertaken.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Geothermal Energy Research, Development, and Commercial Demonstration Act - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate and support basic and applied research relating to geothermal energy development. Requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate and carry out commercial demonstrations, research, and development in geothermal energy technology. Provides that the Administration shall dispose of, by sublease or otherwise, all projects undertaken under this Act. Directs the Administration to assure the protection of the environment, persons, and property in projects undertaken pursuant to this Act. Requires the Administration to report to the Congress and the President every six months on the progress made under this Act. Authorizes appropriations for six fiscal years of $80,000,000 to carry out programs under this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 1973
Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to provide for the demonstration within a three-year period of the practical use of solar heating technology. Defines the terms used in this Act. Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to initiate, support and carry out basic and applied research and development in solar heating and cooling technologies. Provides for the installation of solar heating systems in residential dwellings under the monitoring of the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the National Bureau of Standards and in consultation with the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Defense. Provides that such residential dwellings shall be located in a sufficient number of different geographic areas (not less than three) in the United States to assure a realistic and effective demonstration of solar heating and cooling systems involved. Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to initiate, support and fund basic and applied research activities related to solar energy in support of the objectives of this Act. Authorizes the appropriation of up to $50,000,000 to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Provides a 7-percent increase in social security benefits (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) beginning with March 1974 and an additional 4-percent increase beginning with June 1974. Increases the supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 7 November 1973
Commodities Exchange Commission Act - Establishes a Commodity Exchange Commission, composed of five commissioners appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government. Transfers specified functions from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Commission and delegates enumerated housekeeping functions to the Chairman. Authorizes the employment of persons without regard to Civil Service laws. Provides, with regard to rules governing registration of Commission merchants and brokers, that if after requesting a contract market to make specified changes in its rules and practices, the contract market has not made the changes, the Commission may order the contract market to alter the rules of such contract market as necessary to effect changes in specified areas. Requires that contract markets serve an economic purpose. Prohibits orders by futures commission merchants for their own accounts. States that no member of a contract market shall execute any order for future delivery and on the same intentionally enter into any transaction for future delivery in such commodity for any account in which such member has trading discretion, with specified exceptions. Provides that if any contract market, director, officer or agent is not enforcing or is violating any of the provisions of this Act, the Commission may enter an order directing that such contract market, director, officer, agent, or employee cease and desist from such violation and assess a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each such violation. Increases the amount of specific penalties for violations of this Act. Empowers the Commission with injunctive authority to restrain potential violations of this Act. Penalizes, with treble damages, the use of confidential information in violation of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 25 October 1973
Provides for a temporary increase of $78,000,000,000 in the public debt limit and extends the period to which this temporary limit applies to June 30, 1974.
United States · United States Congress · 3 October 1973
Trade Reform Act - States that the purposes of this Act are to: (1) stimulate economic growth of the United States and to maintain and enlarge foreign markets for United States products; and (2) strengthen economic relations with foreign countries through fair market opportunities and open trade. Title I: Negotiating And Other Authority - Grants to the President authority to enter into trade agreements with foreign countries, and unlimited authority to modify, continue, or eliminate duties on imports pursuant to such agreements. Gives the President authority for five years to make trade agreements for the reduction or elimination of trade barriers. Requires the President to consult with the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee before making such agreements. Provides that such agreements shall take effect only if the President notifies the Congress 90 days in advance and thereafter explains such agreement to the Congress. Allows the Congress to disapprove such agreement. States that the reduction in duty rate on any article which is in effect on any day pursuant to a trade agreement shall not exceed the reduction which would have been in effect on such day if a reduction of 3 percent advalorem had taken effect on the date of Presidential proclamation, and the remainder of such total reduction had taken effect at one-year intervals. Requires the President to bring trade agreements into conformity with principles promoting an open world economic system, including revision of decision making machinery in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and revision of other GATT provisions. Authorizes appropriation annually of necessary sums for the United States' share of the expenses of the contracting parties to GATT. Authorizes the President in international payments problems to proclaim a temporary reduction of 5 percent advalorem in duty rate on any article. Allows the President during a period of rapid price increases, upon determination that supplies of articles subject to duties are in short supply, to temporarily reduce or suspend such duties or increase quantities of imported articles. Allows the President, upon determination that duties or other restrictions of a foreign country or the United States are unduly restricting, to modify such duties or restrictions within limits. Provides for a 3 year termination date for all agreements entered into under this Act, unless terminated, as provided, before 3 years. Requires that import duties and restrictions be nondiscriminatory. Grants the President authority to not allow reduction of import restrictions if he determins that such action would threaten national security. Requires the Tariff Commission to advise the President on the effects of actions proposed under this Act. Requires public hearings on actions taken by the President under this Act. Establishes an Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations from which the President may seek the advice of the private sector. Establishes the Office of the Special Representative for Trade Negotiations. States that the Special Representative shall be the Chief United States representative for trade negotiations, shall administer trade agreements and advise the President and Congress on trade matters. Establishes procedures by which the Congress may consider and pass resolutions disapproving trade agreements negotiated by the President, including discharge and debate procedures. Provides for selection of members of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee as official advisers to the United States delegation to trade negotiations. Requires the President to report annually to Congress on trade agreements, their effect, relief from effects, and new negotiations. Title II: Relief From Injury Caused By Import Competition - Provides that the Tariff Commission, upon request by an entity for import relief, may investigate the effect of import restrictions upon domestic industry and shall report such effect to the President, who shall expedite adjustment assistance and may provide import relief for such industry, after taking specified factors into consideration. Specifies preferred forms of import relief, including, increases in, or impositions of duties as the form most preferred. Provides that such an increase shall not exceed 50 percent advalorem. Provides that import relief shall not last longer than five years and that the President may terminate it as he deems necessary. Provides that either House of the Congress may, within 90 days of receipt of an orderly marketing agreement or quantitative restrictions entered into by the President, adopt a resolution of disapproval that shall make such actions of no effect. Establishes procedures and qualifications by which workers may petition for adjustment assistance from the Secretary of Labor. Establishes qualifications for and amounts of trade readjustment allowances. Limits such allowances in general to 52 weeks. Provides for retraining, job search, and relocation allowances for workers adversely affected by trade agreements. Establishes procedures by which the States may cooperate in dispersal of such assistance and allowances. Creates the Adjustment Assistance Trust Fund on the Treasury books for adjustment assistance funds, which shall be appropriated from customs duties not otherwise appropriated for each fiscal year. Creates the Adjustment Assistance Coordinating Committee to coordinate adjustment assistance policies of various agencies. Sets forth procedures by which firms may apply for adjustment assistance from the Secretary of Commerce. Provides that such assistance may be technical or financial and shall be available only if the firm has no reasonable access to private financing. Prescribes limitations on the purposes and uses of such assistance. Authorizes appropriation of necessary sums from time to time for such assistance to firms. Requires such firms to keep records of such assistance that shall be available for audit. Requires the Tariff Commission and the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate their efforts to provide warning to firms of tariff agreement effects and knowledge of possible relief. Title III: Relief From Unfair Trade Practices - States that when the President determines that a foreign country maintains an unjustifiable import restriction which discriminates against United States Commerce or provides subsidies on its exports to the United States which reduces sales of United States products he shall take all appropriate steps to obtain elimination of such restrictions or subsidies, including prevention of benefits of trade agreements with such country and imposition of duties or other import restrictions on products of such country. Allows for Congress to disapprove such Presidential actions. Requires that after the question of dumping has been raised a determination shall be made if it has in fact occurred and, if so, appraisement of such merchandise shall be withheld and notice given in the Federal Register. Defines purchase price and exporter's sales price of imported merchandise for purposes of this section. Defines exporter's sales price for state-controlled economies. Provides for the application of countervailing duties on imports, equal to the net amount bestowed on such goods by a bounty or grant by any country. Requires a determination of material injury by the Tariff Commission for the application of countervailing duties to duty-free imports, for so long as such a determination is required by international obligations. Requires the Secretary upon written request by an American manufacturer, producer, or wholesaler to furnish the classification, duty rate, and countervaling duties imposed upon imported merchandise of a kind manufactured, produced or sold by him; and allows him to petition for changes in such duties and other items, upon which the Secretary shall make a determination, and which may be contested. Provides that when the Tariff Commission believes that importation of an article would substantially harm a patentee, the Secretary of the Treasury shall exclude such article, pending investigation by the commission, after which it may be refused entry. Title IV: Trade Relations with Countries not Enjoying Nondiscriminatory Treatment - Provides that products from any nonmarket economy shall not be eligible to receive nondiscriminatory treatment (most-favored-nation treatment), such country shall not participate in any program of the Government of the United States which extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, directly or indirectly, and the President shall not conclude commercial agreements with any such country during the period that the country denies its citizens the right or opportunity to emigrate, or imposes more than a nominal tax on immigration. Allows the President to suspend or withdraw nondiscriminatory treatment to any country, and to authorize bilateral agreements providing nondiscriminatory treatment to products of countries previously denied such treatment. Sets forth requirements for such bilateral agreements, including a 3-year duration, renewable for three years, and nondisruption of domestic markets. Provides for a Tariff Commission Investigation of possible market disruption from products receiving nondiscriminatory treatment. Provides for a 90-day period in which Congress may disapprove of a continuance or extension of nondiscriminatory treatment. Title V: Generalized System of Preferences - Allows the President to provide duty-free treatment for any eligible article from any beneficiary developing country. Designates certain countries which shall not be classified as beneficiary developing countries. Allows the President to withdraw, suspend or limit the application of such duty-free treatment, and shall withdraw or suspend the beneficiary developing country designation upon certain conditions. Provides for termination of such designation after 10 years. Title VI: General Provisions - States that it is the sense of the Congress that effective international cooperation is necessary to put an end to the illicit production, smuggling, trafficking in, and abuse of dangerous drugs, and that in order to promote such cooperation, the President shall embargo trade and investment, public and private, with any nation when the President determines that the government of such country has failed to take adequate steps to prevent narcotic drugs and other controlled substances produced or processed, in whole or in part, in such country, or transported through such country, from entering the United States unlawfully.
United States · United States Congress · 1 October 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study with respect to the feasibility of establishing the Desert Trail as a national scenic trail.
United States · United States Congress · 24 September 1973
Retirement Income Security for Employees Act Title I: - Administration - Establishes within the Internal Revenue Service an Office of Employee Plans and Exempt Organizations. Authorizes to be appropriated to the Department of the Treasury for the purpose of carrying out all functions of the Office for each of the fiscal years 1974, 1975, and 1976, an amount equal to the sum of $35,000,000 and one-half of the collections from the taxes imposed under section 4910 of the Internal Revenue Code (relating to excise tax based on investment income). Requires certain specified Federal, State, and private pension plans to be registered annually with the Secretary of the Treasury. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit any statements, reports, or other information obtained by him under this section to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Title II: Participation, Vesting, Funding Certain Benefits - Sets forth minimum standards for participation, vesting, and funding of trusts created or organized in the United States to form a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan under section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. Requires every employer to, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, maintain records with respect to each of his employees sufficient to determine the benefits due or which may become due to such employees. Provides a civil penalty for any person who fails to furnish information about, or to maintain, such records as required under this Act. Establishes an excise tax on the failure to meet the minimum standards of funding required for such plans. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to make a study of the funding of government plans, which takes account of the minimum funding standards under the Act, and the taxing power of the governmental unit, and make recommendations as to whether it would be advisable to require such plans to comply with the funding requirements applicable to private pension plans, or some other funding standard, as recommended by the Secretary. Requires the Secretary to file his report with the Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee by December 31, 1967. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to develop, in consultation with professional societies, business organizations, and other Federal agencies, recommendations for modifications of Federal procurement regulations to ensure, to the maximum possible extent, that professional, scientific, technical and other personnel employed under Federal contracts shall be protected against loss of their pensions resulting from job transfers or loss of employment. Title III: Portability - Establishes a voluntary central portability fund for the use of employees who leave an employer with the vested retirement plan benefits. Allows an employee to receive a complete distribution from his former employer's qualified plan and recontribute this amount within 60 days of receipt to the qualified plan of a new employer, or the the central portability fund or an individual retirement account, without being taxed on the distribution. Directs the Social Security Administration to keep records of plans which an employee leaves with vested retirement benefits so that, upon retirement, he will know whom to consult to obtain his retirement benefits. Title IV: Plan Termination Insurance - Establishes a governmental corporation, called the Pension benefit Guaranty Corporation within the Department of Labor, to provide plan termination insurance through administration of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Fund. States that the Corporation is to be directed by a board of directors consisting of the Secretaries of Labor, of the Treasury, and of Commerce, with the Secretary of Labor as chairman of the board. Makes provisions for the funding of such insurance program. States that in order to be "qualified" for tax benefits under the Internal Revenue Code, defined benefit plans must provide plan termination insurance coverage for their participants through payment of excise tax premiums. Limits coverage of a plan participant to the lesser of 50 percent of the participant's average monthly gross income during his highest paid five consecutive year period as a plan participant or $750 monthly (adjusted for changes in the Social Security contributions and benefits base). Sets forth provisions under which the Corporation may institute proceedings to terminate a plan established under this Act. Provides that employers are liable to the extent of 30 percent of their net worth for the Corporation's payments upon terminations of their plans, but employers may elect to avoid this liability by paying an additional premium in an amount to be determined, from time to time, by the Corporation. Title V: Disclosure and Fiduciary Standards - States that the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act is amended to require that additional information be provided in the plan descriptions and annual reports filed with the Labor Department. Requires annual reports for private funded employee benefit plans of any size maintained by an employer or employee organization affecting interstate commerce. Extends such coverage to most tax exempt organizations. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make appropriate investigations when he believes it necessary in order to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this Act or the Welfare and Pension Plans Disclosure Act. States that the contents of plan descriptions and annual reports filed with the Secretary pursuant to this Act shall be public information and the Secretary may publish any such information and data as he may deem appropriate. Establishes an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his functions under this Act. Title VI: Enforcement - Vests jurisdiction in the United States Tax Court to hear controversies and to enter judgments declaring whether a plan established by an employer for his employees is a qualified plan under this Act. Establishes an arbitration procedure to be provided in each employee benefit plan, for the settlement of claims under the plans. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations for the type of arbitration provisions to be included in such plans. Sets forth procedures for the bringing of Civil Actions against the administrator of any such plan for breach of fiduciary obligations. Title VII: Retirement Savings, Limitation on Proprietary employee contributions, Taxation of certain Lump-Sum Distributions - States that any individual who was not covered during a year as an active participant in a qualified retirement plan, or a government plan (whether or not qualified), or a section annuity plan, is to be permitted a deduction of $1,000 a year from earned income, or (if greater) 15 percent of earned income up to $1,500, for contributions to a personal retirement account. Provides that the deduction in this case is to be from gross income, and as a result can be taken even by those taxpayers who also take the standard deduction. States that in the case of a married couple, each spouse may establish his or her separate retirement savings account and the $1,000 ( or 15 percent-$1,500) limitation is to be applied separately to the earned income of each spouse. Provides that if an individual wishes to establish an individual retirement account, the trustee of the account is required to maintain, under the provisions of a written governing instrument, a separate accounting of the individual's contributions, the earnings on them, and the distributions made either to the individual involved or to his beneficiaries. Establishes an excise tax on individual retirement accounts to be imposed for taxable years beginning after the taxable year in which the individual who established such account attains the age of 70 1/2 years. Makes provisions for retirement plans established by proprietary employees.
United States · United States Congress · 13 September 1973
Provides that future appointments to the offices of Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
United States · United States Congress · 5 September 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate up to ten acres of land in and near the city of Vale, Oregon, for establishment of the Oregon Trail National Historic Site. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Anti-Architectural Barriers Act - Allows an income tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code for the removal of architectural and transportational barriers, with respect to the aged and the handicapped, from trade or business facilities. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 189)
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
States that no public funds may be used for the purpose of transporting chemical nerve agents to or from any military installation in the United States for storage or stockpiling purposes unless it is the sense of Congress to do so.
United States · United States Congress · 3 August 1973
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that both the President and Congress should resolve the position of the United States on the status of herbicides and tear gas so that the Senate may move forward toward immediate ratification of the Geneva protocol of 1925. States that the Department of Defense should detoxify that amount of nerve gas stored at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver which was to have been destroyed by now.
United States · United States Congress · 17 July 1973
Provides, under the Merchant Marine Act, that the appropriate agencies take steps to assure that at least 20 per cent of the gross tonnage of all petroleum and petroleum products imported into the United States on ocean vessels be transported on privately owned United States flag commercial vessels. Requires that the quantity to be carried in United States-flag commercial vessels be at least 25 per cent after June 30, l975, and at least 30 per cent after June 30, l977. (Amends 46 U.S.C. 1241))
United States · United States Congress · 7 June 1973
Alaskan Petroleum Transmission Act - Finds that, since energy sources are in short supply, the Congress should act to hasten recovery of underground petroleum on the North Slope of Alaska. Declares it to be the national policy that no decision be made for recovery of petroleum from the North Slope of Alaska until Congress has opportunity to review such plans. Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a thorough study of the two principal alternative routes for recovering petroleum reserves from the North Slope of Alaska. Outlines such routes as: (1) a trans-Alaska pipeline from the North Slope to Valdez, Alaska, and then by ocean-going oil tanker taken to the west coast of the United States; and (2) an overland pipeland from the North Slope across northeastern Alaska and through Canada to the midwest section of the United States. Directs the comptroller to report his findings and conclusions to the Congress no later than January 1, 1974. Specifies the considerations to be used in making the study. Authorizes the Comptroller to enter into contracts with the National Academy of Sciences in conducting the study, and to secure information from any Federal department, agency or instrumentality. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and other appropriate Federal officials to enter into negotiations with Canada to determine the feasibility of a right-of-way across Canadian territory for petroleum transmission facilities from the North Slope of Alaska. Directs the Secretary to report the results of their negotiations to the Congress and the Comptroller no later than December 1, 1973. Requires all reports to the Congress under this Act be filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate. Prohibits any order or rule of the Secretary of the Interior , or any other Federal agency or officer of the United States, granting a right-of-way, easement, or special land use permit on any Federal land for the construction and operation of a pipeline for the transmission of petroleum from the North Slope in Alaska from taking effect until the 60-day period beginning on the date the Comptroller files his final report. Allows the Secretary to grant such right-of-way or easements after the 60-day period as he deems necessary for construction of a petroleum transmission system along a route determined by the Comptroller to be the better of two principal alternative routes, unless Congress has disapproved such a route by concurrent resolution. Allows such rights-of-way or easements be granted for such width as the Secretary determines necessary without regard to the National Environmental Policy Act. Provides that action of the Secretary under this section shall not be reviewable by any court of the United States or in any State court. Outlines the congressional procedure in making a concurrent resolution concerning the proposed route and in referring the matter to committee. Limits debate on the resolution to no more than 10 hours. Authorizes necessary funds to carry out the Act.
United States · United States Congress · 15 May 1973
Columbia-Snake-Palouse Conservation Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, under the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, to enter into contracts, not to exceed ten years, with landowners and operators in the Columbia-Snake-Palouse region determined by him to have control for the contract period of the farms, ranches, or other lands covered thereby. Provides that contracts shall be designed to assist farm, ranch, or other landowners or operators to make, in orderly progression over a period of years, changes in their cropping systems and land uses which are needed to control erosion and sediment on farms, ranches, and other lands and to install the soil and water conservation measures needed to control erosion, sedimentation, and other pollutants. Authorizes to be appropriated, without fiscal year limitations, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 May 1973
Extends beyond age 22 under title II of the Social Security Act (Old-Age, Survivors', and Disability Insurance), the period during which an individual may be entitled to child's insurance benefits on the basis of full-time student status where such individual was prevented by reason of health, religious service, or service in the Armed Forces (after attaining age 18) from attending school during one or more months prior to attaining age 22.
United States · United States Congress · 19 April 1973
Provides, under titles I, X, XIV, XVI, part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, that specified regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in effect January 1, 1973, relating to grants to States for aid to the blind, aged and disabled shall remain in full force and effect. States that any regulation promulgated by the Secretary after January 1, 1973, shall be invalid if inconsistent with the above specified regulations.
United States · United States Congress · 18 April 1973
Budget Control Act - Title I: Changes in Rules of House and Senate - Establishes in the House of Representatives a Committee on the Budget consisting of 21 members: 7 members from the Committee on Appropriations, 7 members from the Committee on Ways and Means, and 7 members appointed by the Speaker of the House. Provides for the selection of the Chairman of the Committee and for the filling of vacancies on the Committee. Refers to the Committee matters relating to (a) the establishment of an overall limitation on budget outlays, and an overall limitation on new budget authority; (b) the determination of the overall level of Federal revenues, and the overall level of the public debt of the United States; (c) the determination of the appropriate level of surplus or deficit in the budget in the light of economic conditions and, (d) the allocation of the overall limitation on budget outlays, and the overall limitation on new budgetary authority. Requires the Committee to report during each regular session of Congress at least two concurrent resolutions concerning matters referred to the Committee and to make continuing studies of the effect on budget outlays of existing and proposed legislation and to report the results of these studies to the House of Representatives. Establishes in the United States Senate a Committee on the Budget consisting of 15 members: 5 members from the Committee on Appropriations, 5 members from the Committee on Finance, and 5 members appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate. Grants to the Senate Committee the same matters for consideration and the same duties as the House Committee. Declares that annually, on or before May 1, Congress shall complete action on a concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1. States that the concurrent resolution shall include with respect to budget outlays and with respect to new budget authority: (1) a general contingency reserve (for allocation only by a subsequent concurrent resolution on the budget) for possible new legislation (including enlargements of existing programs and activities); and (2) an emergency reserve (in amounts which do not exceed 2 percent of the amount of budget outlays otherwise allocated to the Committees on Appropriations and 2 percent of the amount of new budget authority otherwise allocated to such committees) which shall be available only for allocation by the Committees on Appropriations to specific programs and activities (or to subcommittees) to meet emergencies and other unforeseen contingencies. Provides for other matters which may be dealt with in the concurrent resolution. Sets forth a timetable for the first concurrent resolution on the budget for the fiscal year. Requires Congress to adopt a final concurrent resoltuion on the budget before adjourning and provides for consideration of concurrent resolution to be expedited. Declares that a tax surcharge is required where the budget deficit will be greater, or the surplus will be smaller, than that determined to be appropriate. States the requirements for amendments to concurrent resolutions. Provides that legislation dealing with the congressional budget must be handled by budget committees and that the concurrent resolution on budget must be adopted before appropriations and changes in revenues and public debt limit are made. Sets forth the requirements for legislation and amendments providing new budget authority, and declares that budget authority legislation may be required to contain outlay limitations. Places limitations on new permanent budget authority and on new spending authority. Requires the legislative committees to authorize the enactment of new budget authority before the beginning of the fiscal year. Authorizes the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Appropriations to consider and to report legislation rescinding budget authority. Provides for technical and conforming amendments to the Rules of the House of Representatives and to the Standing Rules of the United States Senate, as well as amendments to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 and 1970. Title II: Legislative Budget Director and Staff - Establishes a Joint Legislative Budget Staff headed by a Legislative Budget Director appointed by the record vote of a majority of the members of the Committee on the Budget of each House, and provides for staffing and compensation. Authorizes the Legislative Budget Director to secure directly from any executive department or instrumentality of the government, information, data, estimates, and statistics relating to the function of the Joint Legislative Budget Staff. Directs the Joint Legislative Budget Staff to develop methods of using computers and other techniques for the analysis of information to improve not only the quantative but the qualitative evaluation of budgetary requirements.
United States · United States Congress · 16 April 1973
Provides for the deferral or cancellation of repayment of student loans under the National Defense Education Act and the Higher Education Act of 1965, for persons held as prisoners of war. Authorizes the Commissioner of Education to pay to holders of such loans appropriate amounts due.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1973
Common Tax Audit Act - Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that all income tax returns filed shall be open to inspection by any common tax auditing agent appointed by two or more States pursuant to the provisions of this Act. (Amends 26 U.S.C. (3103(b)) Provides that, if permitted by its own laws, any State may designate the tax authorities of another State, or any commission or association of States, to conduct a tax audit of any business subject to the tax jurisdiction of one or more of the designating States.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1973
Excludes from gross income for income tax purposes interest on certain special deposits of prisoners of war and other members of the Armed Forces in a missing status during the Vietnam conflict. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 124)
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1973
Provides, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, that the Secretary of Labor may visit the workplace of any small employer which has twenty-five or fewer employees for the purpose of affording consultation and advice for such employer on matters, specified in a request by the employer, affecting conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment, or materials in the workplace. Authorizes to be appropriated the sum of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1974 and $1,500,000 for 1975, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act. (Amends 15 U.S.C. 636)
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1973
Requires that the Office of Economic Opportunity continue to provide financial assistance to agencies providing legal services, under the Economic Opportunity Act, which were receiving such assistance in December 1972.
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides for the inclusion of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in the catagories of ammunition for which persons holding a Federal license to do business as a firearms or ammunition importer, manufacturer, or dealer need not keep records on purchasers. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4182(c))
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides, under the Internal Revenue Code, that an educational organization shall be treated as an organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes if: (1) such organization is organized and operated solely to perform, on a centralized basis, one or more of the following services which, if performed on its own behalf by a tax exempt organization would constitute activities in exercising or performing the purpose or function constituting the basis for its exemption: computer service, purchasing, warehousing, billing and collection, food, industrial engineering, library, investment, research, laboratory, printing, communications, record center, instructional services, solicitation of financial support, academic personnel, and student services; and (2) such organization is not operated for profit, and amounts payable by such educational institutions for services performed for them are determined on the basis of the amount of services so performed and are intended in each case not to exceed the allocable cost of such services and are not in fact in any case significantly in excess thereof. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 501)
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides for the inclusion of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in the catagories of ammunition for which persons holding a Federal license to do business as a firearms or ammunition importer, manufacturer, or dealer need not keep records on purchasers. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4182(c))
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides for the inclusion of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in the catagories of ammunition for which persons holding a Federal license to do business as a firearms or ammunition importer, manufacturer, or dealer need not keep records on purchasers. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4182(c))
United States · United States Congress · 21 March 1973
Provides for the inclusion of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in the catagories of ammunition for which persons holding a Federal license to do business as a firearms or ammunition importer, manufacturer, or dealer need not keep records on purchasers. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 4182(c))
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1973
National Health Care Services Reorganization and Financing Act - Title I: Reorganization of National Health Services - National Health Care Services Reorganization Act - Includes the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam in the definition of "State." Establishes the Department of Health which shall be headed by a Secretary of Health appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Provides for the appointment by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, of an Under Secretary who shall act for, and exercise the powers of, the Secretary during the absence or disability of the Secretary. States that the Under Secretary shall perform such functions as the Secretary shall from time to time prescribe. Provides that there shall be in the Department seven Assistant Secretaries, a General Counsel, and a Chief Medical Officer who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Transfers to the Secretary and in specified instances to the Chief Medical Officer all functions of the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare under laws and provisions of law listed in this Act. Provides that within one hundred and eighty days of the effective date of this title the President may transfer to the Secretary any function not transferred to the Secretary by this title, if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines that such function relates primarily to functions transferred by this title to the Secretary, or otherwise relates to health. Redesignates the Department of Health, Education and Welfare as the Department of Education and Welfare. Sets forth provisions concerning the administrative functions of the Department of Health. Requires the Secretary to make an annual report in writing to the President for submission to the Congress on the activities of the Department during the preceding fiscal year. Provides that all orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, certificates, licenses and privileges which have been issued under provisions of law transferred by this title and which are in effect at the time this title takes effect shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or repealed by the Secretary, by any court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Directs the Secretary to submit to the Congress within two years after the effective date of this title a proposed codification of all laws which contain functions transferred to the Secretary. Makes the Secretary responsible for the planning, administration, operation, coordination, and evaluation of all programs transferred to him under this title in addition to the Health Care Program authorized under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe such regulations as he deems necessary for the efficient administration of the Act. Establishes a National Health Services Advisory Council which shall consist of the Secretary and twenty members appointed by the Secretary. Sets forth the terms of office of the members of the Council. Authorizes the Council to: (1) advise the Secretary on matters of general policy in the administration of this title and in the formation of regulations, and (2) study the operation of this title and the activities of State Health Commission, Health Care Corporations, and other providers. Requires the Council to make an annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to the Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance for the early planning, development, establishment, and initial operation of Health Care Corporations, including incentives for the use of the capitation payment method of health care and for the development and improvement of outpatient care centers. States that the Secretary may provide such assistance by means of grants and contracts. Provides that in making such grants and contracts the Secretary shall take into account existing health care resources and health care delivery systems, the relative need of the States and areas within the States for assistance, and the need for an equitable distribution of such assistance. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State Health Commissions to facilitate and expedite the submission of State plans to the Secretary as required by this title. Authorizes to be appropriated for planning grants such sums as may be necessary for each of three fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted. Provides for a Federal payment of 90 percent of the sums expended for the proper and efficient administration of an approved State plan. Decreases such payment over a specified time period to 75 percent of the State expenditures. Sets forth penalties for criminal violations of this Act. Declares that States will be in compliance with this Act if: (1) the State has created, within the executive branch of the State government, a State agency headed by a State Health Commission for carrying out the responsibilities devolving upon the State under this Act; (2) there is established in such agency a State Advisory Council; and (3) there is in effect an approved State plan, submitted by the State Health Commission, for carrying out the State's responsibilities under this title. Provides that a State Health Commission shall be composed of three or five members appointed by the Governor of the State for staggered terms which shall be renewable. States that not more than two members of a three-member commission, nor three-members of a five member commission shall be members of the same political party. Declares that it is the sense of the Congress that members of a State Health Commission should be chosen with a view to their ability to bring to the commission highly qualified, effective, and disinterested policy direction. Provides that the Advisory Council to the State Health Commission shall be appointed by the Governor of the State and consist of persons representative of providers and consumers of health care. States that the Council shall consult with the commission in the development and carrying out of the State plan. Requires the State Health Commission of each participating State to conduct a study and survey with a view to the approval of service areas for applicant Health Care Corporations as a basis for the issuance of certificates of approval by the commission, with the objective of affording to all the people in the State equal and ready access to the full range of comprehensive health care of high quality provided for in this title. Provides that a State plan shall make provision for stimulating and encouraging the organization of Health Care Corporations. Authorizes the Secretary to conduct the functions of a State Health Commission through the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, when such a Commission has not been established in a State under this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall encourage and assist the States and their State Health Commissions in carrying out cooperatively with other States their respective functions, including the making of agreements between States for that purpose with respect to the establishment, admission, and approval of Health Care Corporations, the establishment of joint health care areas and assignment of such corporations thereto, and the exchange of information. Requires the Secretary to develop and encourage the enactment of model State legislation in the fields covered by this title. Defines a Health Care Corporation as a nonprofit private or governmental corporation which is organized for the purpose of furnishing comprehensive and coordinated personal health services to persons registered with the corporation, furnishing personal health services to other persons to the extent authorized by this title, and engaging in educational, research, and other activities incidental or related to the furnishing of personal health services, and which provides effective and equitable representation, on its governing board, of registrants with the corporation and affiliated institutional and professional providers furnishing services on its behalf. Provides that a Health Care Corporation shall assume responsibility for making available and furnishing to each registrant with the corporation all services for which he has Comprehensive Health Care Benefits coverage and which are medically necessary. Provides that services may be provided through an affiliated provider by contract with the Health Care Corporation. Provides that the Corporation shall as rapidly as practicable develop, by affiliation with existing organizations or otherwise, a system of outpatient care centers throughout the approved service area. Provides that a Health Care Corporation shall assume responsibility for the quality of all services furnished by it either through its own facilities and personnel or by providers affiliated or acting under arrangements with it. Provides that a Corporation shall provide an opportunity to all practitioners in an approved service area to furnish services on its behalf, either as members of its professional staff or as affiliated providers. Provides that a Corporation shall develop and keep current a continuing personal health record for each registrant of the corporation. Provides that the corporation shall establish methods by which registrants may express their views with regard to the policies and operation of the corporation, the health needs of the community, and the need for any modification or expansion of the services furnished by the corporation. Provides that in recruitment and registration a Health Care Corporation shall not discriminate on the ground of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, occupation, economic status, or condition of health. Provides that the National Health Services Advisory Council shall conduct a full and complete study and investigation of methods of supplying supplemental capital and other funding for Health Care Corporations and related health care organizations in the United States. States that the Council shall give particular consideration to the development of a program which: (1) establishes and utilizes as its basic source of funds a national trust fund; (2) provides for the distribution of amounts in the fund to State health commissions in a manner reflecting population, per capita income, and health care needs; (3) recognizes the need for adequate planning for health care services and facilities; (4) encourages and facilitates the continuing provision of funds for these purposes from sources other than the trust fund; (5) leaves to each State health commission, under general regulations of the Secretary, the determination of how the funds distributed to the commission are to be allocated; and (6) contains or is subject to such other provisions, conditions, and limitations as may be necessary or appropriate to assure that the study will be effectively carried out. Requires the Council, within one year after the effective date of this Act, to submit to the Secretary, for transmission to the Congress, a full and complete report of its study and investigation. Title II: Financing of National Health Services - National Health Care Services Financing Act - Provides, under title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, that every employer shall be required to provide benefits under this Act equivalent to the hospital insurance benefits available under title XVIII (Health Insurance for the Aged) of the Social Security Act, to provide Catastrophic Expense Benefits coverage and to provide Comprehensive Health Care Benefits covered under this Act, to each of his employees and for the members of the family of each such employee. Provides, under title IX of the Social Security Act, that every individual who is receiving benefits under any Federal or State unemployment compensation law shall be entitled to coverage for benefits under this Act equivalent to the hospital insurance benefits available under title XVIII of the Social Security Act and Catastrophic Expense Benefits coverage and Comprehensive Expense Benefits coverage under this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to contract for or to subsidize Comprehensive Health Care Benefits to elderly and medically indigent individuals, provided, in the latter case, that entitlement to coverage contracted for by the Secretary shall be subject to the condition that the individual or family concerned contributes to the carriers annual premium charge for such coverage. Allows a tax deduction, under the Internal Revenue Code, to an individual for all of the expenses paid during the taxable year for Comprehensive Health Care Benefits coverage under this Act. Provides that a State shall not be required to provide Medicaid payments to the extent that individuals otherwise entitled thereto are covered by this Act. Provides that coverage of a registrant for Comprehensive Health Care Benefits shall entitle the registrant, with listed exceptions, to have the carrier pay the approved predetermined charges of the Health Care Corporation for services and items furnished to him. Provides a table of Comprehensive Health Care Benefits to be covered by this Act. Provides that the Secretary shall submit to Congress recommendations for the expansion of benefits after the program under this Act is in operation, giving special consideration to the expansion of benefits for dental and vision services based on the availability of resources. Sets forth the requirements to be met by carriers for participation in Comprehensive Health Care Benefits under this Act. Title III: Effective Dates - Provides that the program under this Act shall be fully in operation on and after the first day of the fifth fiscal year which begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Ullman, Al [D-OR-2]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/u000004_200.jpg)